The Value of Convenience Vs Inconvenience

Climate change, to many, is an inconvenient truth. It inconveniences businesses, lifestyles and future plans. It makes us change the way we live however comfortable and happy we may be with our lifestyle, and its research is both scary and uncomfortable to confront. It makes us question our decisions now, actions taken in the past, as well as what the future holds. But maybe we should be questioning – why do we need everything in life to be convenient?

When I think of convenience, I think of convenience food: its quick, simple to cook and eat, and takes very little thought. I’m sure many of us have turned to this before when we are in a rush or have had a very long day. And sustainable solutions work in a very similar way: it is simply more convenient to throw items in the bin than sort the recycling, it is much easier to start up your own car than use public transport and it is simpler to carry on doing what you know than change. But life will not be more convenient if we carry on this way – inconvenience will come from rising sea levels, more extreme weather, a lack of food producing land (and therefore food) and overpopulation, which you could say is more inconvenient to your morning than putting that empty milk bottle in the right recycling bin. Just saying……

Though in relation to a different topic discussing the different genders, I heard a woman say something recently which I think really helps in this area:

“Just because something is difficult, does not mean its not worthwhile”

Just because something is difficult to understand, or difficult to change, or you just don’t succeed at the first attempt, does not mean that it is not worthwhile continuing, or trying again, or giving up. If living sustainably and without carbon was an easy task we would have been doing it for ages.

So how can you confront inconvenience? Here are a few thoughts to consider……

• Change your thinking – stop viewing an inconvenience negatively, and instead explore it with curiosity. For example, if you were feeling upset that you couldn’t eat a meat burger every week, if there a vegetarian alternative you could try that you actually might really like? Are these changes actually as scary and annoying to implement as you once thought? P.S. Halloumi burgers 👌
• Who does it actually inconvenience? – Are you just thinking about the consequences on yourself? What about your family, wildlife, or people on the other side the world that you may never meet, but are impacted by your actions? For instance, sure it might be quicker and easier to scroll through Amazon when you need something, but could you support a small, sustainable business but just taking a bit more time to research other options?
• Extend your timeframe – it is easy to get caught up in the here and now and choose convenient short term options, but when we are engaging with sustainability and climate change solutions, we need to look into the long term to ensure our actions really are sustainable in the direct sense of the word and will be for future generations. E.g. will future generations be able to fly by aeroplane like we do now? Most likely not, so lets change now for an easier future.
• Confront habits – I believe sustained action comes from positive habits. Acknowledge some of your unhelpful habits such as throwing items in the waste bin by default, driving to locations within walking distance or being wasteful with certain products. Then actively work on forming new habits, so for this example, taking a moment to choose the correct recycling bin, choosing to walk somewhere or being mindful of how much product you use. You may wish to journal or track your progress, and after a bit new, positive and sustainable habits should arise!

Hopefully this has helped you identity where in your thinking limits your sustainable journey. I do not use the word ‘journey’ to be cheesy, but to remind you that becoming more sustainable does take some time and won’t happen straight away, so be patient and keep going, knowing that the change you are trying to make will be important and worthwhile. ❤